Dear Senator Lee, Senator Romney, and Representative Stewart,
It is with grave concern that I am writing to you about the rule change issued by SEVP on July 6 prohibiting international students from taking online classes to maintain their F1 visa status. This policy change is cruel to students who are putting in a good-faith effort to complete their education here in the United States during a time when the risk of COVID-19 infection is greater than ever.
The policy is further detrimental not only to the universities as a whole but to our country, as it discourages the best and brightest minds in the world from learning in the U.S. and sharing their gifts to enhance U.S. business and industry. If this policy is allowed to stand, students from around the world will doubtless eschew studying in the U.S. due to our callous disregard for their health and well-being, and we as a country will lose out on future innovations as these gifted people pursue their dreams elsewhere.
I work as the teacher coordinator in an intensive English program in Salt Lake City. I have also taught ESL at Salt Lake Community College. I know how dedicated and determined these students are and how much they want to contribute to the world. They deserve a safe learning environment to pursue their dreams.
None of these students prefers online education. They did not spend many thousands of dollars to study here online. They are looking for a rich exchange with our country and with their peers and instructors. Nevertheless, during this time the online environment is the safest way for all students to learn as the rate of COVID-19 escalates. The teachers in our school have worked extraordinarily hard to provide a rich online experience for our students. These teachers deserve to be protected as well.
Because of the nature of this rule, our intensive English program does not even have the ability to offer blended learning. Students are required to be in class 18 hours per week, and all of this must be delivered in person. This puts not only the students but my teachers and their families at risk. To force anyone to return to an unsafe learning environment is entirely unconscionable. This goes for higher learning as much as for K-12 schools.
I recognize that you may disagree with my assertions. Reasonable people are entitled to disagree. I think, though, we can agree that people should have the option and the flexibility to choose what is best for themselves and their families. Taking away these options from international students and those who teach them flies in the face of everything this country is about. I urge you to stand with my students and with me to urge SEVP and ICE to allow online learning for international students until this scourge of COVID-19 has passed.
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